Swedish cinema
Last updated 11:40, Thursday, 03 July 2008
There will be more than the usual quotient of lycra and sequins on Botchergate next Thursday, at Vue cinema’s preview of Mamma Mia! The Movie next Thursday.
The film, starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth, is based on the hit West End musical.
The event in Carlisle includes a pre-film live performance by Swede Dreamz – Carlisle’s one and only ABBA tribute band.
They have been kept busy playing venues across the UK since they formed by chance at the end of 2005.
Ray Sharkey, who performs as Bjorn, was already an ABBA devotee and ran an ABBA fan club, meeting the real Bjorn, Benny and Frida on several occasions in both Sweden and the UK. He was hosting a karaoke night in Keswick with Ken White (aka Benny).
Ray recalled: “It was Boxing Day night and four of us decided to make it a little extra special and do an ABBA set.
“It was supposed to be a bit of festive fun, but it went down a storm and we started getting enquiries regarding dates and availability.”
Now they use their enthusiasm and devotion to all things ABBA to full effect, and say they have no qualms performing as someone else. Sam Seivwright (Agnetha), is studies performing arts at the University of Cumrbai. She said: “As a performing arts student I find it easier performing as someone else instead of myself. As soon as the costumes, wigs and glitter are on, the character comes alive.
“We all get such a buzz from singing such epic anthems. It is so great seeing and hearing the audience reactions.”
The band promise a special performance in their home city, though exactly what will happen on the night hasn’t been revealed.
Emma Kurij (Frida) added: “It really is such a great honour to keep the music and magic of ABBA alive through our show.”
Swede Dreamz perform at the Vue cinema from 7pm on Thursday July 10, followed by a preview screening of Mamma Mia! The Movie.
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